Last Updated on October 20, 2021 by Snezana Grcak
Planning a trip doesn’t end with booking a flight—finding a suitable airport transfer is just as important. Shuttle Fare is here to help you do that the easy way! If you wish to travel by train from Cleveland Airport to downtown, East Cleveland, or any stop in-between, we’ll take you through the process. Discover how to get to the airport train station, purchase the ticket, and learn other useful details. You’ll also find out additional airport transfers and be able to compare them before you opt for your ideal ride. Use our tips to get to your destination stress-free!
Which RTA Line Serves the Airport?
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates four lines, and one of them connects the airport with many city neighborhoods. Red Line offers regular service between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and the Louis Stokes Station in East Cleveland. It runs every 15 minutes through the downtown area and allows passengers to get to the city smoothly and affordably. The map below shows the entire route, which includes many stops and helps you reach popular destinations like:
- West Side Market
- Tower City Center
- Tri-C Metropolitan Campus
- John Hay Campus High School
- University Hospital Main Campus
- Lake View Cemetery

How To Take a Train From Cleveland Airport to Downtown
After you land, collect your bags and head to the RTA’s station via the escalators in the center of the Baggage Claim and Ticketing levels. The train station is placed on the lower level of the main terminal. The airport signs will guide you to it. Once you catch the train, the trip to the city will take less than 30 minutes. The terminal map shows the CLE train stop location:

Train Fares & Cards
Before you hop on a train from Cleveland Airport to downtown, don’t forget to purchase your ticket at any ticket vending machine. Select the type of ticket you want, as well as the payment method, and remember that these machines don’t give change. After you finish the purchase, the fare card will be immediately ready for use. We listed standard adult fares and passes below.
Ticket Type | Price |
One-Way Cash Fare | $2.50 |
5-Trip Card | $12.50 |
Daily Pass | $5.00 |
7-Day Pass | $25.00 |
Monthly Pass | $95.00 |
Reduced fares are available for any senior or disabled passenger with valid documentation.
Alternatives: Other Ways to Reach Downtown
Catching a train from Cleveland Airport to downtown isn’t the only way to get to the city for a reasonable price. Our guide to Cleveland Airport Shuttle offers information on all transportation options at CLE, including shuttles, taxis, buses, and rental cars. You’ll also see a booking form at the top of the page that will help you compare all the services in a couple of seconds! Look into leading shuttle providers like Super Shuttle CLE or discover which Cleveland hotels provide airport shuttle services. Alternatively, learn all about Cleveland Airport Uber services, and arrange a TNC ride in a couple of seconds!
FAQs
- How far is Cleveland Airport from downtown Cleveland?
Cleveland Hopkins Int’l Airport is around 13 miles away from the city.
- How to get from Cleveland Airport to downtown?
RTA’s Red Line is the most affordable and convenient way to get there—trains run every 15 minutes, and the station is on the lower level of the main terminal.
- How much is a train from Cleveland Airport to downtown?
A one-way cash fare is only $2.50.
- How much is a taxi from Cleveland Airport to downtown?
A taxi fare for rides from CLE to the city would be at least $40.
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Coming up with a smart travel plan is simple when you have our team by your side. We explained how to catch a train from Cleveland Airport to downtown, but Shuttle Fare can do much more! Read through our comprehensive guides to learn how to: